Alfred Twu News

New Caucus Board, Party Platform Update, AAPI Dem Club Events, and More

Meet the 2023-2025 AAPI Caucus Board
State Chair: Deepa Sharma State Vice Chair: Hon. Tammy Kim State Communications Secretary: Alfred Twu State Parliamentary Chair: Aref Aziz State Legislative Director: Gurpreet Kaur State Treasurer: Marilyn Cachola Lucey State Recording Secretary: Shivam Patel  
Northern Chair: Hon. Harris Mojadedi Northern Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Emily Ramos Central Valley Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Rachel Hernandez Northern Secretary: Malia (“Lia”) Aiavao Northern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Zahra Hajee   
Southern Chair: Jessica Caloza Southern Vice Chair & Political Director: Michael Milan Southern Secretary: Dr. Andrew Murphy Southern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Steve Kang
Learn more about us at https://apicaucus.com/about-us/executive-board/
We would like to sincerely thank outgoing colleagues Vice Chair Adam Ma, Legislative Director Olivia Lee, and Treasurer Shawn Kumagai for their invaluable contributions to our Caucus. 
The California Democratic Party is updating the party platform Give input now!

Suggestions and comments on the party platform can be provided in three ways:

Online Testimony Form 2024 Testimony Submission Form on the Platform Committee Website The deadline for submitting testimony online is Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Online Testimony Hearings
Sunday, July 9, 2023, @11:00 AM Planks Accepting Testimony: Civil Justice, Political Reform, World Peace and International Relations, National Security Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvd-msrj4jH9aE2-pIkYp8IMQ-mEc7X68s#/registration

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, @ 6:30 PM Planks Accepting Testimony: Criminal Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Internet and Free Speech Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kcOGtrDIjGNPKIFvJJ9rAssadMnBYt1lf#/registration

Sunday, August 6, 2023, @ 11:00 AM Planks Accepting Testimony: Education, Children, Culture and the Arts, Women Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuqsqzkiGdHew6nUNNNZadfH2t5Jzdzw#/registration

Wednesday, August 9, 2023, @ 6:30 PM Planks Accepting Testimony: Energy and Environment, Sustainable Communities, Rural Register Here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uspjktGdFcmif-RZ17ivSr3dyuAnRz#/registration

In Person at the Executive Board Platform Committee Meeting
Date: Friday, August 18, 2023 at the E-Board Meeting in Visalia Planks Accepting Testimony: Veterans and Military Families, Seniors, Health Care, Immigration, Preamble
Comment on the Delegate Selection Plan for the 2024 Democratic National Convention
The California Delegation will send a total of 497 delegates and 35 alternates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The total delegation comprises of 424 Pledged Delegates, 35 Alternates, and 73 Unpledged Delegates.
The California Democratic Party develops the National Delegate Selection Plan that outlines how the 277 District-level delegates, 92 At-Large delegates and 55 PLEO delegates are chosen. An important part of the plan is ensuring that our delegation reflects California’s diversity. A draft version of the Plan is available HERE. 
If you would like to provide comment or testimony for consideration, please fill out the following form: 2024 California Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan Testimony Submission Form

Oral testimony provided at one of the in-person hearings listed below must also be submitted online HERE to be considered.

Upcoming Testimony Hearing Dates:

Central Valley: July 1, 2023, 1-4PM, Fresno County Democratic Party Office- 1033 U St., Fresno CA. 93721

Northern California: July 8, 2023, 1-4PM, California Democratic Party Headquarters- 1830 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

Online: July 15, 2023 (11AM-1PM): ZOOM LINK  For more information on the National Delegate Selection process, click HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Delegate2024@cadem.org.
Upcoming AAPI Events
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club’s “Dinner with a Dem” Event on July 10 from 6-7:30pm, Santa Clara County Democratic Party HQ 2901 Moorpark Avenue #110 San Jose, CA 95128. RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/dinnerwithadem2023

Southern CA Armenian Democrats, Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County, Korean American Democratic Committee, and the Pilipino American LA Democrats BBQ Battle Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11am – 3pm, Glendale Verdugo Park, located at 1621 Canada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 Join us and enjoy some delicious Armenian, Korean Pilipino and Asian Fusion BBQ and spend a relaxing afternoon with your fellow Dems!  The event is FREE for folks to attend. Kindly fill out the RSVP form to let us know you are attending: bit.ly/BBQ-23

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) Summer Soiree Friday, August 18, 2023, 6-10pm, San Gabriel, CA
https://www.causeusa.org/2023-summer-soiree

Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County’s Inaugural Awards Gala Sunday, August 20th, 2023, 4-6pm, San Gabriel Grapevine Arbor (324 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776) http://bit.ly/ADLACAwards
arefaziz News

API Caucus Membership Meeting Materials

As we reconvene in person meetings, the API Caucus of the California Democratic Party remains committed to minimizing our environmental impact. For that purpose only a limited number of meeting material copies will be printed at our incoming meeting.

Please see all of the meeting materials including agenda here.

If you’re joining us in person at the 2023 CADEM Convention, but you’re not yet a member sign up here to pay dues. The 2023 AAPI Caucus Dues Waiver please is available here.

Please find the meeting materials for this meeting below linked in the agenda below.

2023 API Caucus Membership Meeting
Saturday, May 27, 2023, 7:45pm-9:30pm
Updated Location: Platinum F-J Meeting Room, JW Marriott
900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

AGENDA
I.      Call to Order | Welcome (1 minute)
II.     Approval of Agenda (1 minute)
III.   Elected Officer Reports (20 minutes)
a.     State Chair Report
b.     State Vice Chair
c.     State Communications Secretary
d.     State Recording Secretary
e.     State Treasurer
f.      State Legislative Director
g.     State Parliamentary Chair
i.      Recertification Items
ii.     Caucus Goals
iii.    2021-2023 Term in Review
iv.    Adoption of Bylaws – Mandatory per CDP and Name Change to AAPI Caucus
h.    Northern California Regional Report – Northern Chair and Northern Regional Team
i.      Southern California Regional Report – Southern Chair and Southern Regional Team
 
IV.   API Caucus Awards Ceremony – Rising Star, Organization Award; Trailblazer to be presented in November 2023
a.      Assemblymember Alex Lee – 2023 Rising Star Honoree
b.     Equality California – 2023 Organizational Excellence Award, Presented to Tony Hoang, Executive Director
 
V.     Invited Speakers
a.     AG Rob Bonta, AAPILC Chair Evan Low
b.     Candidates for CDP Officer Elections
c.      Democratic Senate Candidates
                                               i.     Rep. Schiff (arriving some time between 8:30-8:45)
                                              ii.     Rep. Katie Porter (8:45pm)
                                            iii.     Rep. Barbara Lee – sending surrogate
 
VI.    CDP Caucus Officer Elections
a.     Candidates
                                               i.     State Chair: Deepa Sharma
                                              ii.     State Vice Chair: Hon. Tammy Kim
                                            iii.     State Communications Secretary: Alfred Twu
                                             iv.     State Parliamentary Chair: Aref Aziz
                                              v.     State Legislative Director: Gurpreet Kaur
                                             vi.     State Treasurer: Marilyn Cachola Lucey
                                           vii.     State Recording Secretary: Shivam Patel  
                                          viii.     Northern Chair: Hon. Harris Mojadedi
                                             ix.     Northern Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Emily Ramos
                                              x.     Central Valley Vice Chair & Political Director: Hon. Rachel Hernandez
                                             xi.     Northern Secretary: Malia (“Lia”) Aiavao
                                           xii.     Northern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Zahra Hajee   
                                          xiii.     Southern Chair: Jessica Caloza
                                          xiv.     Southern Vice Chair & Political Director: Michael Milan
                                            xv.     Southern Secretary: Dr. Andrew Murphy
                                          xvi.     Southern Outreach & Local Clubs Chair: Steve Kang
VII.         Speakers Addressing API Caucus (Time Permitting – Please Be Courteous; Caucus Meeting Time Ends at 9:30)
                                               i.     Hon. Tammy Kim
                                              ii.     Carolyn Fowler
                                            iii.     Hon. Gabriel Quinto
                                             iv.     Diana Love
                                              v.     Andrew Lachman
                                             vi.     Malcolm Johnson
                                           vii.     Assemblymember Phil Ting
                                          viii.     Andrew Lachman, DNC Member
                                             ix.     San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu / Former Chair, CA API Legislative Caucus
                                              x.     Avinder Chawla
                                             xi.     Irene Green
                                           xii.     Hon. DA George Gascon
                                          xiii.     Hon. Darshana Patel
                                          xiv.     Jennifer Esteen
                                            xv.     Jonathan (Tana) S. Lepule
                                          xvi.     John Yi
                                         xvii.     Alex Mohajer
                                       xviii.     Jonathan (Tana) Lepule
                                          xix.     Sade Elhawary
                                            xx.     State Senator – AAPILC Vice Chair Dave Min
                                          xxi.     Hon. Sally J Lieber
                                         xxii.     Dr. Jirair Ratevosian (Pronounced je-RAHR  ra-teh-VOS-yan)
                                       xxiii.     John Yi
                                        xxiv.     Assemblymember Eloise Reyes
                                         xxv.     Maha Rizvi
                                        xxvi.     Susie Shannon or Betty Toto
                                      xxvii.     Asm. Pilar Schiavo
                                     xxviii.     Kipp Mueller
                                        xxix.     Jennifer Williams
                                         xxx.     Aditya Pai
                                        xxxi.     Ysabel Jurado
                                      xxxii.     Rozzana Verder-Aliga
                                     xxxiii.     Derek Marshall
                                     xxxiv.     Alex Mohajer
                                       xxxv.     Hon. Jed Leano
                                     xxxvi.     Senator Scott Wiener
                                    xxxvii.     Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga (Vice Mayor of Vallejo)
                                  xxxviii.     Hon. Lateefah Simon
                                     xxxix.     Hon. Yvonne Yiu
                                             xl.     Hon. Dan Kalb
                                           xli.     Cheyenne Hunt
                                          xlii.     Jennifer Tran
                                        xliii.     Fmr. Rep Laura Richardson
Alfred Twu News

Events & API Caucus Membership Meeting at the California Democratic Party Convention

Friday, May 26
Convention Welcome Reception – 7pm
First Draft Taproom and Kitchen, 1230 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles

Saturday, May 27

CADEM Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month – 1:30pm
During General Session in LA Convention Center Hall A

California Young Democrats API Caucus Happy Hour – 5-7pm
with Assemblymember Mike Fong
HiDef Brewing, 1203 S Olive St, Los Angeles
http://tinyurl.com/CYDAPIHAPPYHOUR

API Caucus Meeting – 7:45-9:30pm
Platinum F-J Meeting Room, JW Marriott, 900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

AAPI Legislative Caucus Hospitality Suite – 10:15pm- Midnight
with Assemblymember Evan Low
Platinum E Meeting Room, JW Marriott, 900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

For list of all CADEM Convention events please visit https://cdpconvention.org/schedule/

Share your convention experience! Use hashtag #Organize4CA and #CADEM

All events are open to the public except General Session. Convention credentials or observer pass required for General Session.




2023 API Caucus Membership Meeting
Saturday, May 27, 2023, 7:45pm-9:30pm
Updated Location: Platinum F-J Meeting Room, JW Marriott
900 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

AGENDA
– CDP Officer Reports

– Adoption of new Caucus Bylaws
New bylaws can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uUcvmXc43iMbmknmbB7vYgry-l0uUa_i/edit

– Awards Ceremony – Trailblazer, Rising Star, and Organization Award

– Democratic Senate Candidates

– Invited guest speakers:
– AG Rob Bonta
– AAPILC Chair Evan Low
– California Democratic Party officer candidates
– Democratic Candidates for US Senate: Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee (sending surrogate)

– CDP API Caucus Officer Elections

– Speakers – time permitting.
Alfred Twu News

API Caucus Rising Star & Trailblazer Award Nomination Deadline: April 14

Two Months Until the CADEM Convention in Los Angeles
The Caucus will be meeting in person at the CADEM Convention over Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles. Registration details will be available soon.
Sign up to speak at the API Caucus Convention Meeting
Candidates and campaigns: We will have some time at our Convention meeting for candidates to speak to the Caucus. If you would like to speak, please fill out the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9qfiPs_s-onFNsFVZ6zWc5c5d9gcVWP9Ea38z5BCOQAmTqw/viewform
Apply Now to Run for a Position on the 2023-2025 API Caucus Board
The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here. https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7
The deadline is 30 days before the convention. Convention starts on May 25 – please apply by April 25.
Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link here: https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D
Nominate Someone for our Trailblazer & Rising Star Awards Applications Close April 14
Trailblazer Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/asJa8BL6P2HEMZcX9 The Trailblazer Award honors extraordinary California Democrats for their excellence in leadership and outstanding public service to the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community and the people of California. 
Rising Star Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/Nd7yMoiizkPeL91z8 The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding emerging leaders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community whose courage, service, and leadership demonstrate strong commitment to empowering the AAPI community in California.
Alfred Twu News

Apply Now to Run for a Position on the 2023-2025 API Caucus Board


The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here. https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7
The deadline is 30 days before the convention. Convention starts on May 25 – please apply by April 25.
Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link here: https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D
Nominate Someone for our Trailblazer & Rising Star Awards
Trailblazer Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/asJa8BL6P2HEMZcX9
Rising Star Nominee Submission Form: https://forms.gle/Nd7yMoiizkPeL91z8

The CA Dem API Caucus Stands with Congresswoman Judy Chu against Racist Remarks by a Republican Congressman.
Asian Americans are American. Questioning the loyalty of Representative Judy Chu, who is a distinguished American public servant, perpetuates racism against our communities. We must reject the coordinated right-wing smear campaign targeting Chinese Americans.
President Biden Nominates Julie Su for Secretary of Labor
Julie Su has worked on campaigns for raising the minimum wage, creating high quality jobs, enforcing safety standards, and stopping wage theft and human trafficking. She also previously served as the Labor Secretary of the State of California.
Learn more at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/28/president-biden-nominates-julie-su-for-secretary-of-the-department-of-labor/
Alfred Twu News

Save the Date! California Democratic Party Convention at the Los Angeles Convention Center in May

The API Caucus will be meeting and holding our elections for the 2023-2025 Board at the May 2023 CA Dem convention. If you are interested in running for a position on the API Caucus Board, please fill the form here at least 30 days before Convention: https://forms.gle/qabDzEfDoHPJn68H7

Learn more about the different Caucus board positions in our bylaws at https://apicaucus.com/bylaws/
A candidate for office must be a full member of the Caucus in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you need to renew your membership, please use the link below.
Renew Your Caucus Membership

If you need to renew your membership, caucus dues can be paid at https://onlinecampaigntools.com/WebForms/ViewForm?key=v3OgtUdQThjhzNZ%2FYfwUPw%3D%3D
Alfred Twu News, Uncategorized

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Continues to Uplift Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities

On January 17, the Biden-Harris Administration released its first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Communities. The new strategy, which comprises action plans prepared by 32 federal agencies—including all 15 executive departments in the President’s Cabinet—builds on the Administration’s broader equity agenda and details much needed investments in AA and NHPI communities and priorities, including data disaggregation, language access, and combatting anti-Asian hate.

Learn more at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/17/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-continues-to-uplift-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-communities/

Alfred Twu News

AAPI Democratic Candidates Win in the June 2022 Primary

Thank you to everyone that volunteered and donated to our candidates! With most ballots now counted, here are some highlights from this year’s primary election:

Statewide
Statewide candidates Attorney General Rob Bonta and Treasurer Fiona Ma both won over 50% of the vote in the primary and are in a strong position for re-election in November, where they will face Republicans.

Sacramento
Representatives Ami Bera (CA6) and Doris Matsui (CA7) both have a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot.

Bay Area
Assemblymembers Phil Ting (AD19), Alex Lee (AD24), Ash Kalra (AD25), and Evan Low (AD26) all finished in first place in the primary, and will be on the ballot in the November general election. In the open Senate District 10 seat, CA Dem endorsed candidate Aisha Wahab has also advanced to the November general election.

Representative Ro Khanna (CA17) has a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot.

Rosemary Kamei was elected to the San Jose City Council, with nearly 2/3 of the vote.

Southern California
Assemblymembers Mike Fong (AD49) and Al Muratsuchi (AD66) all finished in first place in the primary, and will be on the ballot in the November general election.

In the open Assembly seats, Fauzia Rizvi (AD63) and Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen (AD70) both received the most votes in their district and will be on the November ballot.

Representatives Judy Chu (CA28), Ted Lieu (CA36) has a majority of votes in the Congressional primary and will be on the November ballot.

Congressional candidates Asif Mahmood (CD40) Jay Chen (CA45) are running to unseat Republican incumbents and have both advanced to November ballot.
Save the Date- API Caucus Membership Meeting at the July CA Dem Executive Board Conference
Friday, July 8, 6:30-8pm
Online – Zoom Link available soon
For the full agenda of the E-Board conference and other information, please see https://cadem.org/executive-board/
Alfred Twu News

Save the Date – API Caucus Meeting, Friday, March 4, 5-7pm

Save the Date: API Caucus Meeting – Friday, March 4, 5-7pm
Panel Discussion: Housing, Land Use, and the AAPI Community
The 2022 CA Dem State Convention will be online. Our Caucus will meet on Friday, March 4, from 5 to 7pm on Zoom. Agenda and other details are coming soon.
Please register here: https://cadem-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdeCvqTkqHNPoQQSyuABDrdxKRZZq4-FC

More information on other events during Convention (March 4-6) are available at: https://cdpconvention.org

Congrats to Assemblymember-Elect Mike Fong!
Results show Democrat Mike Fong winning over 2/3 of the vote in the AD49 Special Election. Thank you to everyone who helped out with the campaign.